The big, brown football salutes countless cars daily along War Memorial Drive.

The sign, plus the fields behind it, triggers modern memories of gridiron rivalries, track meets and softball games. But the history of Peoria Stadium includes much more.

In 1895, the site was developed from farmland into a horse track. Over time, buildings sprang up for more uses, such as hog shows, airplane exhibitions, auto races and religious revivals. A final fling with wagering involved greyhounds, starting in 1926. But the Depression shut down the track in 1931.

Yet new life came five years later. The Peoria School Board spent $300,000 to buy the land and create a football field and quarter-mile track. The grounds became a mecca for local sports. The American Legion hosted a yearly July 4 fireworks display.

But by the 1970s, the site — dubbed Peoria Public Schools Stadium — had fallen into disrepair. The grandstand was destined for condemnation, but community fundraisers came up with just enough money to cover bare-bones repairs.

In recent years, the district has considered selling the land, possibly to Wal-Mart, for development. But bolstered by public outcry against such a move, Peoria Stadium has survived.

Journal Star staff

1 Comment

We lived across from that sign for 9 years. My son was running once and fell. He hit his head on the concrete pad holding the sign up. See what happens when dad watches the kids? We had fun up there. Hit golf balls, flew kites, and let my son run all over the big field.